Akron Zoo Will be Enriching Visitors and Animals August 13th

By David Barnhardt

Akron, OH - The Akron Zoo will host Enrichment Day on Thursday, August 13, 2009, to showcase enriching activities for the animals that stimulate their natural behaviors. Activities are planned for a variety of animals from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Enrichment is the practice of providing interesting and challenging environments and activities for animals. Various activities encourage the animals to use their natural instincts and skills such as hunting, tracking and foraging. Although enrichment is provided for the animals on a daily basis at the zoo, Enrichment Day is a chance for the public to observe and participate in the activities that keep the animals mentally and physically fit.

Much of the enrichment planned for the day will include food inside paper-mâché, themed with back-to-school paper-mâché items. There will also be human enrichment activities from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. These activities will include foraging for candy in the Madagascar Building and decorating paper bags for keepers to use for future enrichment with the animals in Komodo Kingdom.

Enrichment will be provided to the following animals for the public to view on Enrichment Day:
• 10:00 a.m. – Komodo dragon
• 10:30 a.m. - jaguars
• 11:00 a.m. – snow leopard
• 11:30 a.m. – coati
• 12:00 p.m. - otters
• 12:30 p.m. – tigers
• 1:00 p.m. – sloth bears
• 1:30 p.m. – lions
• 2:00 p.m. – golden-lion tamarins

The Akron Zoo is home to over 700 animals from around the world and is open 361 days a year. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for senior citizens, $6 for children (ages 2-14). Children under two are free and parking is $2.00.

The Akron Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

To view Akron Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-165-Akron_Zoo_in_Ohio